Architecture student goes to China during spring break

Not many 23-year-olds can say they’ve traveled the world, have a master’s degree and had multiple internships during their college career. Wil Toedtmann can. He graduated from Drury University this month with a degree in architecture and a minor in design arts and global studies.

The Hermann native became interested in architecture in high school, when he would sketch buildings on his notes during class. He came to Drury for the five-year Master of Architecture program.

During those years, Toedtmann counts his travel-abroad opportunities as some of his biggest learning experiences. In total, he visited seven countries, including China, Italy, Spain, Greece and the United Kingdom.

“Studying abroad was such a life-changing experience and I not only learned about other cultures, but I also learned a lot about myself and what my values were,” Toedtmann says. “It really changed my whole perspective on life. I think traveling is one of the best ways to learn, and it really gives you a global perspective.”

During spring break, Toedtmann and two other Drury students traveled to China to present their fifth-year urban design projects to the Suzhou Industrial Park Design and Research Institute. The projects focused on the anticipated future growth of an area west of Shanghai and looked at redevelopment strategies addressing issues of sustainability, culture and population density.

Toedtmann also appreciates the networking opportunities Drury has provided him. Because of a Drury connection, Toedtmann was able to spend a week in New York City working with Daniel Libeskind, one of the world’s most well-known architects. Another Drury connection helped him secure a part-time job at Casey Architecture, where he works today. He hopes to move to a large city in the future.

“I am not only grateful for the degree and education I received but, more importantly, I am grateful for all the relationships that were created through my experiences and the opportunities that molded me into the person I am today,” he says.